John Cleveley the Elder facts for kids

The 'Royal George' at Deptford Showing the Launch of 'The Cambridge' (1755) by John Cleveley the Elder

Frigate and fishing boats in harbor in the collection at The Mariners' Museum

John Cleveley the Elder (born around 1712, died 1777) was a famous English artist. He specialized in painting pictures of ships and the sea. This type of art is called marine art.

Life of John Cleveley

John Cleveley was born in Southwark, England. His family did not have a background in art. His father wanted him to become a joiner, which is someone who builds things with wood.

Around 1742, John started working as a carpenter or shipbuilder. He worked at the Deptford Dockyard. He continued this work for his whole life. In fact, official papers from 1778 called him a 'carpenter' for the Navy.

However, around 1745, John Cleveley also began painting. He mostly painted pictures of ships. He also painted scenes of shipyards, showing ships being built or launched. His paintings combined his knowledge of shipbuilding with accurate details of places. He likely taught himself how to paint. He may have also learned from other ship painters at the dockyard. He traveled around East Anglia and made paintings based on his trips.

Famous Artworks

John Cleveley the Elder created many important marine paintings. Here are some of his well-known works:

• Sixth-Rate on the Stocks: This painting is now at the National Maritime Museum in London. It shows a type of warship being built.
• The Royal Yacht Caroline: This artwork is also at the National Maritime Museum. It features a special ship used by royalty.
• HMS Royal George off Deptford at the launch of HMS Cambridge, 1755: This painting shows two famous ships. It captures a moment at the Deptford dockyard.
• The Loss of the 'Luxborough' Galley in 1727 and the Escape of Some of her Crew: This painting tells a dramatic story. It shows the sinking of a ship and how some of its crew survived. This painting is part of a series.

His Children

John Cleveley the Elder had three children who became notable in their own ways:

• John Cleveley the Younger (1747–1786) and Robert Cleveley (1747–1809): These two were twins. Both of them followed in their father's footsteps and became artists.
• James Cleveley: He was a ship's carpenter. He sailed on HMS Resolution during Captain Cook’s last trip around the Pacific Ocean. This voyage happened between 1776 and 1780.